Snoring causing restless nights? Experts explain when to see a doctor and why you should never dismiss it

It causes a racket and often disrupts the sleep of both the snorer and their partner.

But persistent snoring doesn't just wreak havoc on relationships. 

Ignoring snoring could put you at risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, experts say. 

That's because sleep apnoea can cause an interruption in airflow, fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood, putting strain on the cardiovascular system, Mr Pavol Surda, Consultant ENT and Rhinology Surgeon at London Bridge Hospital told MailOnline. 

And with an estimated 15million snorers in the UK, about one in five people, according to the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association, it's no small issue. 

There are about 15million snorers in the UK, yet, about 30million in the UK are affected by it, according to the British Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Association (BSSAA)

So, what causes snoring in the first place?

The coarse sound of snoring occurs when the tongue, mouth, throat or airways in your nose vibrate as you breathe. This happens when the air cannot flow freely. 

This is, in part, caused by how when you are asleep these parts of the body relax and become narrower. 

Although this reduction in breathing space isn't a problem for most of us, snorers may have an additional obstruction somewhere between the Adam's-apple and the tip of the nose.

This blockage can be swollen tissue, congestion or a deformity, says BSSAA. 

People who smoke, are overweight, drink too much alcohol or just sleep on their back are more likely to snore, according to the NHS. 

However, there can be more serious causes of snoring. 

'While occasional snoring is generally not a cause for concern, habitual snoring can be indicative of underlying health issues that could warrant attention,' Mr Surda said. 

Is it snoring or is it sleep apnea...

Waking up frequently during the night, feeling sleepy in the day, and experiencing morning headaches are some of the signs of sleep apnoea. 

Sleep apnoea is a condition that causes your breathing to temporarily stop — making you snore very loudly. 

Mr Surda said: 'It is important to recognise the signs that snoring may require a specialist's intervention. 

'Persistent loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, and morning headaches, chest pains, and nasal congestion are red flags that should not be ignored.' 

There are two distinct types of sleep apnoea, Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), he explains. 

CSA is caused by the brain not sending proper signals to the muscles that control breathing during sleep whereas OSA is caused by the upper airways being obstructed, Mr Surda said. 

More people are affected by obstructive sleep apnoea than central sleep apnoea.

Similarly to regular snoring, sleep apnoea occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, causing the airway to become partially or fully blocked.

However, this interruption in airflow can lead to fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen levels in the blood, putting strain on the cardiovascular system.

If left untreated it can increase the risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, Mr Surda said. 

He said: 'If you suspect that you or a loved one may have sleep apnoea, seeking help from a sleep specialist is crucial. 

'Specialists can conduct a thorough evaluation, often involving a sleep study to monitor breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and other vital signs during sleep.

'Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, or in some cases, surgery.'

It could decrease your sleep quality... 

We all want a good night's sleep, but sharing a bed with a snorer probably means you're not getting a restful night. 

This reduction in sleep can have an array of consequences from increased stress levels to high blood pressure and even potentially increase the risk of some cancers, according to a 2017 review published in Nature and Science of Sleep. 

If your snoring is affecting how much rest you, or your partner, are getting talking about your symptoms with a doctor could help.

There are several ways to help manage snoring depending on the cause, according to the NHS.

A CPAP (pictured) machine is a mask that gently pumps air into your mouth and nose while you sleep. It's designed to improve your breathing while you sleep by stopping your airways from becoming too narrow

If the tongue partially blocking the back of your throat is the problem, a device worn in the mouth called a mandibular advancement device, can solve this problem by bringing your tongue forward. 

Snoring can also be cause by your mouth falling open while you sleep. This can be remedied by using a vestibular shield, a device that you put in your mouth while you sleep that forces you to breathe through your nose. A chin strap that hold's your mouth shut can also help. 

If your snoring is caused by blocked and narrow airways, wearing strips that hold your nose open while you sleep, is another method to stop snoring.

Although sleep apnoea can sometimes be treated by making lifestyle changes like losing weight, giving up smoking and reducing how much alcohol you drink, many people need to use a device called a CPAP machine.

A CPAP machine is a mask that gently pumps air into your mouth and nose while you sleep. It's designed to improve your breathing while you sleep by stopping your airways from becoming too narrow and, by extension snoring.